Biometric Construction Site Access Control

Recent projects for ISG Pearce Group include the 2012 Velodrome London but it was on a new Tesco site in Callington, Cornwall that ISG Pearce introduced Simeio biometric handsets to improve their site security.

Simeio is an access control system that monitors who is on site at any one time and highlights any unauthorised personnel. It also records time and attendance data, personnel information and any required work permits.

The use of fingerprint biometrics on the handsets mean the system is not open to abuse through unregistered personnel using false names or another worker’s details.

Because it is a mobile handheld system Simeio can be deployed any where on site making it more accessible than fixed card readers.

ISG Pearce experience many issues with manual sign in procedures on site and as with all construction companies they need to comply with legislation by recording all personnel on site at any given time.

Construction Manager, Mark Morris, comments: “We were experiencing a lot of inaccuracies with our paper system such as bulk signing in and not catching everybody as they entered, particularly with a large mixture of Tesco direct subcontractors on site.”

With up to 20 employees and more than 120 subcontractors on the Tesco site at peak times, ISG Pearce were keen to find a more accurate sign in solution that was also easier for workers.

ISG Pearce introduced two Simeio handsets on which workers can sign in and out in real time by combination of a signature and a fingerprint. The Simeio solution has been developed by Intelligent Tools who are revolutionalising how attendance on construction sites is managed and recorded.

Mark says: “It was really quite easy to start using the Simeio handsets both in terms of setting them up and workers operating them.

“You can see exactly who is on site in real time via a website or you can set up alerts at timed intervals to receive updates by email or text message. I asked to be notified at 11am each day with the sign in details for that morning. Even if I was off site, I could identify any gaps that needed to be filled if somebody had not turned up for work. The information was a lot more detailed than a paper system and we could easily identify who worked for who when it came to subcontractors, how closely they were keeping to time and also when they were leaving site.

“It meant we know who is on site at all times. It also helped us comply with HSE fire regulations as we always had a constant head count at a push of a button in the event of an emergency. It’s an ideal solution for peace of mind when it comes to security and health and safety.

Sheehan Contractors is another firm using the Simeio handsets. Tara Sheehan talks about some of the issues facing them when it comes to workers signing in on site: “The construction industry is typically a transient one when it comes to sub contractors. It’s often difficult to keep up with cards being registered and with the best will in the world, concerns about accurate and honest time keeping and security are all too common.

“Characteristically, manual workers are also not that keen on paperwork, which is absolutely fine – that’s not what they’re there to do, but it can lead to inaccuracies with a paper based signing in system.”

To overcome these issues, Sheehan Contractors introduced Simeio handsets on which workers sign in and out by placing their signature and fingerprint on the screen.

Tara says: “The benefits of using Simeio have been significant. It basically acts as a virtual site manager for us.

“It also helps build trust within our workforce. Our workers are generally very reliable but Simeio completely eliminates the need to be constantly watching over security, attendance, sickness and holiday. It confirms we have a great team and that we can leave them to get on with things which is also empowering for them.

When it comes to health and safety, Sheehan have complete peace of mind that they are complying with all HSE regulation. Not only do they know exactly who is on site at all times but they can also deliver bespoke messages to workers when they sign in about their legal PPE requirements.

“Simeio completely takes the onus off us when it comes to monitoring who is on site and who isn’t.”

Simeio handsets are available on a monthly basis with no set up costs involved.